Kundiman

Dr. Jose Rizal

By Arnel G. Perez, MS
 Background
 1891 (September 12) – Jose Rizal wrote “Kundiman” a
Tagalog song in Paris, France .

 A Kundiman is a traditional Filipino love song used by a

young man to serenade the woman of his love.

 The theme of Rizal’s “Kundiman” is his intense love for his

Motherland. His words reflected his Optimism that
Philippines would be freed from injustice and bondage.
Historical Background

 Jose Rizal’s nationalism did not only manifest itself in his

novels and essays but also in song, particularly the
Kundiman.

 The choice of the musical form was fitting because more than
just a song about love, the Kundiman is a song about intense
devotion.
Historical Background

 In the melancholic Kundiman in Rizal he deplored the

country’s state oppression in the hands of colonizers.

 However, he still expressed the hope that someday,

the name “Filipino” would be admired, even if blood
shed became necessary to reach that goal.
Historical Background
 This song like the novels: Noli Me Tangere and
Elfilibusterismo, was used by Spanish prosecutors to build a
case against Rizal in fact, the line “Ibubuhos naming ang
dugo’y ibabaha,” was used as evidence during his preliminary
trial on November 20, 1896 by the Judge Advocate, Colonel
Francisco Olive

 Kundiman was one of the 15 exhibits used during the

 Kundiman

Tunay ngayon umid yaring dila’t puso

Sinta’y umiliilag tuwa’y lumalayo,
Bayan palibhasa’y lupig at sumuko
Sa kapabayaan ng nagturong puno.
 Kundiman

Datapuwa’t muling sisikat ang araw,

Pilit maliligtas ang inaping bayan,
Magbabalik mandin at muling iiral
Ang ngalang tagalog sa sandaigdigan
 Kundiman

Ibubuhos naming ang dugo’t babaha

Matubos nga lamang ang sa amang lupa
Habang di nilalang panahong tadhana,
Sinta’y tatahimik, idlip ang nasa.
 Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa
sariling wika ay higit pa ang amoy sa
malansang isda (Jose P. Rizal)